TWO of last season’s promotion chasers in Vanarama Conference North go head to head on Saturday– but this time with survival as their top priority.

Bradford Park Avenue and Brackley Town are 17th and 18th respectively as they go into the clash at St James' Park.

Avenue won 1-0 at Brackley last season thanks to a Paul Walker goal.

Walker, however, will be missing from the side on Saturday as a new injury crisis troubles John Deacey’s selection.

He said: “It never rains but it pours and I’ve got Paul out now – he’s got a back problem. We’ve also had some bad news on Nathan Turner as his knee injury is worse than first thought.

“He could actually be finished – his career could be over. He has had four operations on the same knee and that doesn’t look good. It’s been one of those seasons and I honestly don’t know if Nathan will have to retire or how long Paul will be out.”

Avenue’s season has been dogged by injuries. The club still has Adam Clayton, Chris Lever and Alex Davidson out, and Martin Drury has had to hang his boots up and has become assistant manager.

Deacey is looking on the bright side after a 1-1 home draw with North Ferriby United last Monday. He said: “I have brought in a lad from Droylsden – Fernando Moke and he will boost our midfield. I also have Jordan (Deacey) available. He is okay for this game but then he goes back to Telford.

“It is going to be tough because we’ve got a hard programme coming up, beginning at Brackley. But if we show the spirit that we did against Ferriby, then we should be all right.”

Avenue lost recent signing Dan Clayton with an ankle injury after 20 minutes – he remains doubtful for tomorrow – and skipper Nathan Hotte to a red card before half-time but still felt they deserved all three points against Ferriby.